The race will cover 35,000 miles before returning to Liverpool

The 10 yachts taking part will cross 35,000 miles of sea, visiting 12 ports including New York and Brazil before returning to the city next July.

The start of the race was marked with an air display before defending champions Jersey led the teams out into the River Mersey.

Olympic rower James Cracknell fired the starting cannon at midday.

International artists were performing on a special Pier Head stage on Saturday and Sunday.

James Cracknell wished the sailors the best of luck

Liverpool singer Gerry Marsden entertained the crowds with his most famous hits, Ferry Cross the Mersey and You'll Never Walk Alone.

Liverpool's yacht, Liverpool '08 Clipper, will represent England in the race which is divided into seven separate legs.

The yacht is led by 27-year-old skipper Tim Magee along with three Liverpool residents who won their places through a Liverpool Culture Company competition.

Cracknell, who has just windsurfed the English Channel on a 16ft surfboard, was joined at the start of the race by Jack Chamem, 10, from Bridport, Dorset, who won a nationwide competition.